NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Subaru WRX Safety Ratings
The 2022 Subaru WRX scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 24 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Subaru WRX achieved perfect ratings in every NHTSA crash-test category. This strong performance underpins its NHTSA Safety Index score of 93/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The vehicle's recall record is similarly positive, with only a single low-severity recall issued. However, this model year's Safety Index score represents a two-point decrease from 2021, a difference attributed in part to crash-avoidance technologies remaining optional rather than standard equipment.
The 2022 Subaru WRX received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Subaru WRX ranks 25 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 24 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 25 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Subaru WRX?
The 2022 Subaru WRX represents the first model year of a redesigned generation, and its NHTSA safety profile reflects both genuine strengths and a measurable step back from its predecessor. The Safety Index of 93/100 is firmly Exceptional, yet the two-point decline from the 2021 score of 95/100 deserves attention. That movement traces to the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10, driven by the fact that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on this model year rather than standard equipment. Electronic stability control does come standard, which anchors the avoidance-tech score, but buyers who did not select the Eyesight package on their specific unit will lack those additional layers. The defect record sub-score of 16.5 out of 20 reflects the single recall, which targets only the owner's manual content for Eyesight-equipped vehicles rather than a mechanical or structural failure. Crash protection is a genuine bright spot: a perfect 70 out of 70 in that sub-category aligns with the clean five-star sweep across all NHTSA test dimensions. The 24 filed complaints, with 15 alleged engine-related issues, are worth monitoring as this vehicle ages on the used market, though they remain unverified allegations and do not affect the scored Index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Subaru WRX perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Subaru WRX achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every crash-test category assessed by NHTSA. This includes its overall rating, as well as its performance in frontal, side, and rollover evaluations. The vehicle demonstrated a 9 percent rollover risk and earned a No Tip result in dynamic rollover testing. No categories were left unrated, and the WRX maintained the highest possible rating across the board.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17036
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers certain 2022 WRX vehicles equipped with the Eyesight feature. The issue involves the owner's manual, which may contain inaccurate information, classified under Equipment - Other - Owners/Service/Other Manual. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is associated with this campaign, but shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL23V016000
Risk: Incorrect instructions for adjusting the sensitivity of the High Beam Assist function contained in the owner's manual may cause the lights to not be adjusted as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will mail an owner's manual insert containing the correct information, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-23.
Reported 2023-01-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Subaru WRX?
Twenty-four owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2022 WRX. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Engine, cited in 15 unverified reports, followed by Unknown or Other at 4, Power Train at 3, and Air Bags and Forward Collision Avoidance each at 2. All are unverified consumer allegations.
24 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Subaru WRX?
The 2022 WRX warrants particular scrutiny for its recall record and the optional nature of key safety features. A critical safety recall, impacting the Eyesight owner's manual, necessitates VIN verification to ensure proper remediation. This specific recall highlights the importance of checking whether individual units were equipped with forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, as these are not standard features for the 2022 model year. These considerations are paramount for understanding the safety profile of any used 2022 WRX.
- The 2022 WRX Safety Index of 93/100 is two points lower than the 2021 score of 95/100, a decline driven by forward collision warning and lane departure warning being optional rather than standard on this model year.
- NHTSA awarded the 2022 WRX a perfect 5-star result in every tested category, including a 9 percent rollover risk and a No Tip outcome in dynamic rollover testing.
- The sole recall for this model year targets Eyesight-equipped vehicles and concerns potentially inaccurate owner's manual content, not a mechanical or structural defect.
- Fifteen of the 24 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year allege engine-related issues, making that the dominant reported concern heading into the used-market years.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Subaru WRX places
The 2022 Subaru WRX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Subaru WRX safety questions
Was the 2022 Subaru WRX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Subaru WRX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Subaru WRX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Subaru WRX earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru WRX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2022 Subaru WRX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Subaru WRX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 24 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Subaru WRX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other WRX years
Rivals in Sedan (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17036), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru WRX 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 25 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.